White matter is prominently or exclusively impaired in over 100 diseases of various aetiologies (genetic, demyelinative, vascular, inflammatory, infectious, toxic, traumatic, metabolic, neoplastic, hydrocephalic), affecting a substantial proportion of neurological patients at all ages. Patients with white matter lesions present with a wide spectrum of cognitive impairment, ranging from mild cognitive dysfunction (MCD) to severely impaired cognitive profiles justifying the term “white matter dementia” (WMD), mainly characterized by a dramatic reduction in processing speed. The syndrome of WMD highlights the key role of white matter in the rapid and efficient transmission of information between distant areas of the cerebral cortex. However, neurobehavioral research, particularly in dementia, has long focused on the grey matter as the critical site for higher cognitive processes, resulting in a “corticocentric” view in understanding the complex overall organization of cognition, and neglecting pathological processes in neural networks formed by white matter leading to WMD.
The goal of this Research Topic is to expand knowledge on white matter dementia in genetic and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., leukodystrophies, genetic vasculopathies) as well as the role of white matter in acquired white matter diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Binswanger’s disease, systemic lupus erythematosus). The research topic will highlight the fundamental relationship between brain white matter, cognition, and behavior, both from a neuropathological and neuropsychological point of view. In addition, we will discuss innovative methods for early functional and imaging diagnostics and state-of-the-art treatment options.
Thus, topic editors will welcome any types of manuscripts supported by the Journal – comprised of research article, brief research article, review, and mini-review – pertaining, but not limited to the following themes involving white matter disorders:
• Basic anatomical, physiological, psychopathological aspects in the understanding of white matter dementia
• Innovative diagnostic methods to delineate white matter dementia
• The role of white matter dementia in genetic and acquired white diseases
• Studies on the plasticity of white matter and its implication for clinical work (e.g., affected patients' potential for cognitive recovery)
• Evaluation of new biomarkers and screening instruments (e.g., neuropsychological test batteries) for early detection of MCD and WMD
• Clinical trials on disease-modifying treatments (e.g., hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation, gene therapy, medical interventions)
White matter is prominently or exclusively impaired in over 100 diseases of various aetiologies (genetic, demyelinative, vascular, inflammatory, infectious, toxic, traumatic, metabolic, neoplastic, hydrocephalic), affecting a substantial proportion of neurological patients at all ages. Patients with white matter lesions present with a wide spectrum of cognitive impairment, ranging from mild cognitive dysfunction (MCD) to severely impaired cognitive profiles justifying the term “white matter dementia” (WMD), mainly characterized by a dramatic reduction in processing speed. The syndrome of WMD highlights the key role of white matter in the rapid and efficient transmission of information between distant areas of the cerebral cortex. However, neurobehavioral research, particularly in dementia, has long focused on the grey matter as the critical site for higher cognitive processes, resulting in a “corticocentric” view in understanding the complex overall organization of cognition, and neglecting pathological processes in neural networks formed by white matter leading to WMD.
The goal of this Research Topic is to expand knowledge on white matter dementia in genetic and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., leukodystrophies, genetic vasculopathies) as well as the role of white matter in acquired white matter diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Binswanger’s disease, systemic lupus erythematosus). The research topic will highlight the fundamental relationship between brain white matter, cognition, and behavior, both from a neuropathological and neuropsychological point of view. In addition, we will discuss innovative methods for early functional and imaging diagnostics and state-of-the-art treatment options.
Thus, topic editors will welcome any types of manuscripts supported by the Journal – comprised of research article, brief research article, review, and mini-review – pertaining, but not limited to the following themes involving white matter disorders:
• Basic anatomical, physiological, psychopathological aspects in the understanding of white matter dementia
• Innovative diagnostic methods to delineate white matter dementia
• The role of white matter dementia in genetic and acquired white diseases
• Studies on the plasticity of white matter and its implication for clinical work (e.g., affected patients' potential for cognitive recovery)
• Evaluation of new biomarkers and screening instruments (e.g., neuropsychological test batteries) for early detection of MCD and WMD
• Clinical trials on disease-modifying treatments (e.g., hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation, gene therapy, medical interventions)
